Sybil Da Costa
ran a lodging house at Pembridge Villas in Notting Hill,

James Achew
was a 57 year old Japanese American, he lived with Ms Da
Costa, and their child as though they were husband and
wife, they Called themselves Mr & Mrs Starr. also there
were Ms. Da Costa's other children,

Achew did not
work, instead he lived off his common-law wife's
earnings.

24th
November 1929, Achew exploded in violent rage when
he thought Ms. Da Costa was having an affair.

He cut her
throat with a razor, then attempted suicide by trying to
cut his own throat. He also killed 2 of the children,
leaving a third for dead, who luckily survived, Achew
then fled to France.

January
1930, Achew pleaded delusional insanity at his trial
but this was rejected by the jury, the was found guilty
and sentenced to death.

19th
February 1930, After psychiatric reports, Achew was
sent to Broadmoor at his majesty's pleasure.